The two sides started discussing Gonzalez "probably over a month ago," and they first exchanged names just before the winter meetings. Rizzo said he met with the Athletics several times in Dallas, and they increased their efforts to acquire Gio after losing out on Mark Buehrle.

"Being left-handed was really a key for us," said the GM, noting that Gonzalez can slot between power righties Jordan Zimmermann and Stephen Strasburg in the rotation. "[The trade] gives us a young core of starting pitchers at the major league level."

"To acquire a player like this you need to give up some painful players in return," said Rizzo. "[It took] four players that are near and dear to our heart … They'll be sorely missed."

When asked about Gonzalez's walk rate – career 4.44 BB/9 and an AL worst 4.05 BB/9 in 2011 – Rizzo said "we see his walks trending in the right direction, we see him having general command, and as he progresses into his career, he's going to improve on his command each and every year." Gio has improved his walk rate every year of his big league career, and the team believes the "changing of leagues will positively affect [his] performance."

Rizzo said they like Gonzalez's "moxie and attitude on the mound," and noted that they've clocked his fastball as high as 95 mph using the PitchFX system.

"We feel we have great depth in the starting rotation," said the GM, noting that Tom Gorzelanny and Craig Stammen can start with Sammy Solis and Alex Meyer representing the next wave of pitching prospects. "We feel that we're still very deep in starting pitchers. We like the talent level of our pitching staff, and it's going to be great competition to see who comes out of [Spring Training] as the starting five."

Rizzo confirmed that Solis has not yet visited Dr. Yocum about his sore elbow due to strep throat. Once that clears up, he will have his elbow checked out.

"We're always looking to improve our ball club," added Rizzo, who said they will "certainly be aggressive" if the opportunity to acquire a long-term center fielder via trade or free agency presents itself.

When asked if Adam LaRoche will be the Nationals first baseman in 2012, Rizzo replied flatly: "That is correct." The Nationals have been mentioned as a possible suitor for Prince Fielder this offseason.

"We'd like to improve our bench. We'd like to improve our depth in the minor leagues to help us if need be at the Major League level," said Rizzo when asked what else he'd like to accomplish this offseason.

Comments

“[The trade] gives us a young core of starting pitchers at the major league level.” That’s the key. They gave up a lot of “potential” talent and I am sure a couple of those guys are going to have stellar careers, however I believe DC fans were getting a little impatient on the rebuilding process and wanted something more than just baby steps. I still think there is another big shoe to drop.

Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them suddenly up the bidding for Fielder. Gio Gonzalez gives them a potentially solid arm in the front of the rotation. They may have overpaid but the Nats are better off. All else being equal I would be surprised if the Nats don’t go down to the wire for a playoff spot.

Does anyone know if the second wild card is being added in this season or next season when the Astros move to the AL.

Yeah but if you get Fielder, Michael Morse has to play the outfield for the rest of his career, we just need a centerfielder so by 2013 you can have an infield with Ramos C., Morse 1B, Rendon 2B, Espinosa SS, Zimmerman 3B, Harper and Werth in the corner spots.

LaRoche’s approach at the plate have to wonder how long he will be able to even go with it when he does get himself fully healthy…

that flat footed style, bat held so low.. It is an awful awkward like stance and he has to do a lot of movement for a guy heading to early-mid 30’s to generate power, plus it’s not like he is/was a glove guy standing out there at 1B.

He really is going to need to change that style pretty soon have a feeling, his arms always were his power and it took a LOT of movement with them before to generate the power.. Just don’t see him keeping it up much longer without using his legs more and changing his stance considerably.

Very good trade for the Nats. But “dominated?” That’s tough. He dominates at home, in a terrible offensive division, in a huge park. Against teams with real offenses (Yankees, Red Sox, and Rangers) he gets killed. A very good pitcher, but not as good as the number suggest. At least he’s a work horse.

He is a likeable guy ( I was actually listening to an interview with him on MLB Network radio and right when they hung up they announced they just heard about the trade, that was my happiest grocery store shopping of my life).

Yeah I agree we need a centerfielder, and Laroche isnt why we shouldnt get Fielder, Michael Morse is the reason, in the long run he is gonna be the first baseman with Ramos, Rendon, Espinosa, Zimmerman, with Harper and Werth in left and right, so we just need a Cfer.